Rare Tabular Fancy Venetian Wound Glass Trade Bead – African Trade Beads

Discover this stunning and rare tabular "fancy" Venetian wound glass trade bead, beautifully decorated with intricate trail designs. This unique bead is featured in Picard, Volume V, p.39, bead 1275. Made in Venice, Italy, during the early 1900s, it was part of the vibrant African trade, especially popular in Ghana and other regions.

The bead is in excellent condition, showcasing the craftsmanship of the Venetian glassmakers. A true piece of history, this bead exemplifies the artistic techniques that have captivated collectors and traders for over a century.

• Size: 15 x 14 x 6 mm
• Condition: Excellent, used in African trade in the early 1900s

Venetian lampwork (or wound) beads were made by winding molten glass around a metal rod, and this ancient technique created unique patterns and shapes that were highly sought after in African trade markets. These beads were not just decorative but also a form of currency and status symbols in regions like Ghana and throughout West Africa. The value of such trade beads has continued to grow, making them significant collectibles today.

Browse more of our collections here:

• Venetian Lampwork Beads
• Old Trade Beads
• Venetian Lampwork Beads Archives